Red Sox vs. Local Arts

Thursday

Oct 25, 2007 at 12:01 AMOct 25, 2007 at 10:10 AM

Forgive your local arts organization if it doesn’t root for the Red Sox as passionately as you do. Red Sox Nation, it turns out, includes lots of people who are also arts fans. And when they’re glued to their TV at 8:25 on game night that means they’re not filling the seats of their beloved cultural institutions.

Alexander Stevens

Forgive your local arts organization if it doesn’t root for the Red Sox as passionately as you do. Red Sox Nation, it turns out, includes lots of people who are also arts fans. And when they’re glued to their TV at 8:25 on game night that means they’re not filling the seats of their beloved cultural institutions.

So who could blame the local entertainment venues if they dreaded Red Sox success? But, to their credit, we found passionate Red Sox fans at each of the organizations we called, and they had a good sense of humor about getting trounced by the Olde Towne Team on game nights. So they may be glad the Sox are in the World Series, but we’ll understand if they’re rooting hard for a four-game sweep.

“I missed a New Rep rehearsal last night to go to Game 7 [against the Indians]. We’re like every other Boston sports fan: In our hearts, we root for them, but on the business side, it always does affect sales. I’m just glad our opening night [for “A House With No Walls”] is on Friday [Oct. 26]. That’s a travel day for the World Series [so there’s no game that night].”

Rick Lombardo
New Repertory Theatre
"House with No Walls”
Through Nov. 18

“We’ve only had two or three ticket buyers not show up at the door. It’s funny because you can really tell who has the power in the family.”

Scott Fraser
Jose Mateo’s Dance Theatre
“Covens”
Through Oct. 28

“The Red Sox have been talking with us all day about having the Pops brass section perform the “Star Spangled Banner” at Game 1. It’s not going to be a great week for walk-up [purchases] at the box office. It’s impossible to compete with the Red Sox. So why fight it? You’re not going to win.”